Thousands of shoppers descending on IBN Battuta today (Saturday 27 February) were treated to more than a shopping spree. A temporary boxing ring, erected outside GO Sport, was the center stage for a sneak peek at what is to come at next week’s White Collar boxing event.
Now in its fifth year the event, which combines a black tie dinner with a programme of entertainment culminating in the White Collar boxing bouts, is a night that packs a punch.
White Collar Boxing was created for contestants with no prior experience who can take the discipline and dedication needed in the ring back to their workplace. Each year there are women as well as male contestants. The event takes place this year on 5 March 2010 at the Andalous Ballroom, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai.
“I was on my way to the supermarket and I was surprised when I saw two boxers training in the middle of a boxing ring,” said Greg Ashcroft. “I had never heard of White Collar boxing before but after seeing the guys training here, I might give it a go if I can get the sponsorship.”
GO Sport, a main sponsor of the White Collar Boxing event, are holding a raffle draw at their IBN Battuta branch. Anybody spending over AED 200 can enter the raffle draw (which will be made at 5pm on Tuesday 2 March) to have a chance of winning two VIP passes for the event courtesy of GO Sport.
John Mamea-Wilson, Events Organiser for Transguard, organisers of White Collar Boxing, said: “The idea and concept is fantastic and will help promote White Collar Boxing. We are delighted for the support we have had from GO Sport.”
The blue team which consists of eight boxers, who took control of the ring for the hour-long training session, engaged in strenuous weight training, skipping, medicine ball work and pad work exercises.
Sales Executive, Caitlin Murphy, aged 26, the blue team captain, along with Zack Taumafai, the White Collar Boxing head trainer, were overseeing the session. “Its great practice for the team to train out of the gym and in the public eye. The training has been hard physically but what people tend to overlook is the mental strength you need to get up in front of 700 people and go three rounds with a complete stranger,” said Caitlin.
Taumafai added: “This is a great way to both promote the event and lift team spirit. The fitness levels compared to last year have increased and this public training session has definitely increased the team’s mental fitness.”
On the White Collar Boxing night each bout will consist of three, two-minute rounds under the supervision of a professional referee. There are no losers; anyone who trains and then competes in White Collar is a winner.
White Collar Boxing originated in Gleasons Gym, New York, in 1988. The first contest was held between Dr Richard Novak, an attorney and veterinarian, and Dr David Lawrence who held a PhD in English literature. After the contest the two went to dinner to celebrate the birth of a new sport.
This year’s contest has received backing from Dubai’s business community with a number of high profile sponsors pledging their support, including; Go Sport, MMI, OES Equipment and Health Pharmacy First.
